Lab gets nod to operate from new site

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Karnal, July 17

The Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) has got final certification from the Central TB Division (CTBD), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for starting its operation from new site on the first floor of the Sector-16 Polyclinic. Earlier, the lab was operational from premises of the Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College.

The Director General Health Services, Panchkula, has already given nod for the operation of the lab as it has passed proficiency testing.

Samples tested twice in dry run

After getting samples tested twice in a dry run at our level and sharing test reports with the National Refrence Laboratory for concordance, we have received certification for the lab. Now, it is ready to function from new site. —Dr Ashwani Ahuja, State bacteriologist

Since, the lab was shifted to new site, so the whole process for setting of the IRL was to be followed as per the standard guidelines.

“All machines and equipment have been calibrated and validated by the company, which took quite an extra time as its service engineers visited as per their own scheduled timings,” said sources.

“After getting samples tested twice under dry run at our level and sharing test reports with the National Refrence Lab (NRL) for concordance, we have received certification for the lab. Now, it is ready to function. It will cater to the need of drug resistance patients, including that of multi-drug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR) TB, of 11 districts in the state,” said Dr Ashwani Ahuja, State Bacteriologist, Public Health Laboratory, and IRL, Karnal.

“We have sent mails to all 11 districts attached with this lab to send samples here from now onwards,” he added.

“We performed panel sample testing of 20 samples received from the NRL, Delhi. Results of these samples were sent to the NRL back for comparison, which they tested at their own level also. On the basis of 100 per cent concordance, this lab was given proficiency testing clearance,” said Dr Ahuja.